Pulp Paper & Logistics


INDUSTRY NEWS 7


Mondi teams discuss innovations at Andritz HQ


were the topics pf discussion for 25 experts from a number of mills in the Mondi group when they visited the Group Andritz headquarters in Austria at the


T


he latest innovations and major technology trends in the pulp and paper industries


end of November. Presentations given by


representatives of Andritz focused on mechanical pulping, stock preparation and recycled fibre systems, paper and board machines, rejects and recycling technologies, fabrics and rolls, and power boilers.


Automation experts


demonstrated the capabilities of the Metris UX Digital Solutions by remotely monitoring the Metris X control system installed at the Mondi paper production mill at Štětí in Czech Republic. “It was a very interesting


conference with a good mix of Acquisition of BTG completed by Voith


Voith completed in December the acquisition of Swiss-based BTG, which produces beds and rods for film-metering size presses, high- performance ceramic and cermet coating blades, and pulp and paper process control sensors and laboratory instruments, primarily for paper makers. The cash deal with Spectris plc, the former parent company of


BTG, was worth €319 million. “The acquisition of BTG is an important strategic step for Voith,” said Andreas Endters, chief excutive of Voith Paper. “With BTG and its portfolio that is highly complementary to our own products and services, we strengthen our position as a full- line supplier. Voith says that BTG will remain


entrepreneurial in nature, therefore Voith and BTG customers will be able to purchase through their existing sales channels as usual. BTG is decisive in the digital


transformation of the pulp and paper industry with its offerings in data analytics, automation and software. “We are very excited with the


More changes at Verso Corporation


Verso Corporation, the North American producer of speciality and graphic papers, packaging and pulp, is considering a conversion at its Duluth, Minnesota, mill to produce 375,000 tons per year of


packaging papers. It revealed the possible move in a note to investors filed in January. The mill also started producing recycled packaging paper at a rate of 90,000tpy as part of what is seen as a move


away from printing papers. As a result of the strategic


review launched by Verso in June 2019, the paper maker has agreed to sell two of its six mills – Androscoggin and Stevens Point – to Pixelle


Specialty Solutions for $400 million so that it is able to prioritise graphics operations and maximise value for all stockholders. It also plans to return at least $225m to stockholders.


January/February 2020


acquisition of BTG by Voith. Together, we will have some tremendous opportunities to deliver more value to our customers, including integrated technologies, as well as Papermaking 4.0 and IIoT solutions. We are looking forward to joining forces with Voith. This will also present more opportunities for our employees going forward,” said Rob Crossman, president of BTG.


well-known proven technologies and latest innovations like the Vertical Screw Thickener, large steel cylinders, smart fabrics, and solutions for digitalisation. We collected some food for thought, and our teams are looking forward to more detailed technical discussions with Andritz,” said Lars Mallasch, director of technology & capex for corrugated packaging at Mondi. The two-day event included a guided workshop tour and a visit to the stock preparation pilot plant to get an impression of Andritz manufacturing capabilities and R&D activities. “It was a great honour for Andritz to welcome so many representatives of the Mondi Group here in Graz. This is a further proof of the excellent long-term partnership between the two companies,” said Wolfgang Lashofer, manager of the paper, fibre and recycling division at Andritz.


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